#TrumpCongressSpeech On March 4, 2025, President Donald Trump delivered a historic address to a joint session of Congress, marking his fifth such appearance. The speech, lasting nearly 100 minutes, is noted as one of the longest presidential addresses in recent history.
Key Highlights from the Address:
Economic Policies: President Trump staunchly defended his administration's tariff strategies, predicting a temporary adjustment period for the economy. He also announced plans to impose 'reciprocal tariffs' starting April 2 against countries that tax U.S. imports.
Government Efficiency: The President praised Elon Musk for his role in reducing government waste through the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), despite controversies surrounding potential conflicts of interest due to Musk's involvement with companies holding federal contracts.
Foreign Policy: Trump highlighted ongoing negotiations for peace in Ukraine, mentioning a letter from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressing readiness to finalize a minerals deal aimed at resolving the conflict. He also announced the capture of a key terrorist involved in a deadly attack in Kabul.
Domestic Initiatives: The President proposed an ambitious missile defense system inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome and emphasized the need for enhanced national security. Additionally, he vowed to cut taxes on tips, overtime, and Social Security benefits.
Reactions and Responses:
The address underscored the nation's stark partisan divide. Several Democratic lawmakers protested by walking out, holding signs, or actively disrupting the event. Representative Al Green was removed from the gallery after interrupting the speech. In the Democratic rebuttal, Senator Elissa Slotkin criticized Trump's economic and foreign policies, warning of potential negative impacts on Americans.
Overall, President Trump's address reflected his administration's commitment to implementing significant changes both domestically and internationally during his second term.